Thread: finding the one - what cinches your costume buying decisions

So, I've been eyeballing a costume online for a while and I'm waffling because I don't want to spend what it is really worth...that being said, what cinches your costume buying decisions? What makes you take the plunge on something that is a little more than pocket change?

I'm trying to understand why I hold back even when I love a costume, and why I take the plunge on others.

Budget considerations are my first priority, I just can't afford to splurge and while top-notch costumes are always welcome at the shows I perform in (community shows and festivals), less expensive but beautiful costumes are just fine. I like having variety and versatility (I perform several different styles) so I tend to have more affordable things like bedlah that I have refurbished or bought used, etc., rather than one or two lavish outfits.

I did splurge once on a very special Sim. The deciding factors were: It was my size; it was a style that I find flattering on my body type; I loved the colors; and I wanted to have at least ONE top of the line costume before I die. I haven't regretted it but I haven't splurged like that again. Sometimes I do think about getting rid of several costumes and getting another really fancy costume.

It's not a really rational thought process, though, is it. You fall in love and then.... but I've found that I have a disease I call costume lust. I lust after something, then I get it and love it for awhile, but inevitably I want another one and then I fall in lust all over again. I really do have more stuff than I can wear, so I definitely have a problem with costume lust! And I don't like to let them go once I have them, either.

Originally Posted by shems

I'm trying to understand why I hold back even when I love a costume, and why I take the plunge on others.

I find that when I hold back on something I love, assuming no major budgetary constraints, deep down, I have doubts about that costume. The others I take the plunge on, I know, almost immediately that they're right for me.

Originally Posted by EmilieLauren

I find that when I hold back on something I love, assuming no major budgetary constraints, deep down, I have doubts about that costume. The others I take the plunge on, I know, almost immediately that they're right for me.

I agree with this exactly! My mother told me years ago that when you dither back and forth in your mind about a purchase then it is best to not to buy. A few times I have ignored that advice...and regretted it!

Re: dithering, there's a little trick I learned. Flip a coin and tell yourself that if it's heads you will buy and if it's tails you will not. Then pay close attention to how you feel after the flip - are you overjoyed that you got heads and now will buy, or are you secretly relieved that you got tails and you won't buy? And so forth. Are you secretly disappointed that you got heads and you will buy, or disappointed that you got tails and you won't? It's kind of like tricking yourself, but sometimes you can get some insight in the process.